217 Today: What’s Happening in Central Illinois Dec. 25 – Dec. 28

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Today’s headlines: 

• The U.S. Supreme Court has refused to allow the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area for now.
• Tens of millions of Christmas trees are cut and sold in the U.S. each year.
• A state lawmaker says he’s looking out for people with so-called lifetime gym memberships.
• Midwestern farmers are rounding out a very tough year. Many have been growing corn, wheat and soybeans at a loss.

In today’s deep dive, we’ll learn about what is coming to the Central Illinois area in the world of arts, culture and entertainment.

217 Today is produced by Stephanie Orellana. Reporting today contributed by Lisa Dwyer, Hope Kirwan, Frank Morris, Kimberly Schofield and Adelyn Mui.